Apple Backs Down on EU Ban for Epic Games, Clearing the Way to Bring 'Fortnite' Back to iPhones in Europe
By Giuliano De Leon
Mar 09, 2024 07:17 AM EST
Mar 09, 2024 07:17 AM EST
Apple has reversed its decision to ban Epic Games on its iOS app store in Europe.
According to CNN Business, the maker of the "Fortnite" game confirmed this just a day after EU officials started investigating the matter.
Apple's decision means Epic Games will be able to bring "Fortnite" back to iPhones in Europe. The battle royale title became unavailable on iOS in 2020 after the two companies fought over Apple's developer terms.
"Apple has told us and committed to the European Commission that they will reinstate our developer account. This sends a strong signal to developers that the European Commission will act swiftly to enforce the Digital Markets Act and hold gatekeepers accountable," Epic Games said in its blog post.
Read Also: EU Sets to Impose Record €500 Million Fine on Apple for Music Streaming Violation
(Photo : ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Epic Games store is now moving forward as planned, which means the new app store could soon arrive on iOS in Europe.
In a social media post, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney applauded EU regulators for taking immediate action to rein in Apple and hailed the result as "a big win for European rule of law, for the European Commission, and for the freedom of developers worldwide to speak up."
The relationship between Apple and Epic Games has been fraught with tension, especially since Epic Games filed a lawsuit against Apple in 2020, challenging the restrictions imposed by Apple's App Store policies, particularly concerning Fortnite's distribution and revenue sharing.
Although Epic Games did not completely win in court, the lawsuit prompted some modifications to Apple's rules, particularly under California law.
Related Article: Apple Terminates Epic Games' Developer Account in Europe in Retaliation Over 'Fortnite' Maker's Lawsuits, Tim Sweeney Says
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